Curious about unique spots in Barcelona that are rarely visited by tourists? Discover the real hidden gems that you’ll find off the beaten path, along with fun things to do away from the usual tourist trails. Check out this list of the top 16!
1. Carretera de les Aïgues
For a fantastic walk with breathtaking views of the city, this is the place to be. The Carretera de les Aigües is a former waterway that now serves as a scenic walking and cycling path. Surrounded by nature, you might even spot a wild boar along the way! Perched high above the city, the route offers stunning panoramic views of Barcelona. You can hike further up to the famous Tibidabo Mountain or make your way down to the charming Gràcia neighborhood. Getting here is easy—take the metro and then hop on a cable car to reach the top. It’s also a great route to explore by bike!
2. Explore Street art in Poblenou
While you can find street art all over Barcelona, did you know that Poblenou is the city’s ultimate street art neighborhood? This area is largely free of tourists, making it the perfect place to escape the crowds. Wander through the streets and discover some of the most stunning murals and artworks!
3. Visit local bars
Barcelona is full of endless bars, restaurants, and trendy hotspots where you can grab a bite to eat or enjoy a drink. But are you curious about the authentic spots where the locals love to hang out? Here are a few hidden gems to check out: Bodega Marin in Gràcia, Bodega Armando in El Raval, Quimet Quimet in Poble-Sec, and Vaso de Oro in La Barceloneta.
Check out our article on where to find the best tapas restaurants in Barcelona
4. Museu Frederic Marès
One of our favorites: This museum houses the eclectic collection of the late collector Frederic Marès. What did he collect, you ask? A bit of everything! That’s what makes this museum so unique. Located right in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, it remains surprisingly quiet and uncrowded. The museum also features a lovely courtyard with an excellent terrace where you can enjoy a delicious cup of coffee.
5. The Amphitheater – Teatre Grec
How unique: at the ancient amphitheater at the foot of Montjuïc, you can relax with friends both during the day and in the evening. Bring along a drink and a snack, and you’ve got yourself a peaceful spot—sometimes all to yourself. Every now and then, there are performances at the theater, and it’s definitely worth attending one if you get the chance.
6. Explore lesser-known Modernist buildings
The works of Puig i Cadafalch are definitely worth a visit. This modernist architect was responsible for the design of many buildings in Barcelona, and several of them are open to the public. Casa Amatller, in particular, stands out; this house has been preserved in its original state, complete with furnishings. Another striking building is Casa de les Punxes, which resembles a medieval castle from the outside.
A lesser-known work by Gaudí is Casa Vicens. The style of this building is quite different from his other works, as it was one of his earliest creations.
7. La hora del vermut: a local tradition in Barcelona
The locals are crazy about vermouth, but don’t order ‘vermú’ at the bar in the evening. This aperitif is meant to be enjoyed around noon on weekends, just before the long midday meal. The perfect spot for this tradition is Carrer del Parlament in Sant Antoni, Barcelona’s ultimate foodie street, frequented mostly by locals. This lively street is also filled with plenty of other delicious drinks and snacks to try.
8. Discover local life in Gràcia
In the charming, village-like neighborhood of Gràcia, you’ll find countless lively squares filled with restaurants and bars. Wander through the inviting streets and see how the locals live and enjoy their time on the terraces. It’s also a great spot to savor a good vermouth! 😉
9. Cactus garden on Montjuïc
If you’re visiting Montjuïc, don’t miss out on this beautiful park featuring cacti from around the world. Nestled on the slopes of the city hill, the garden is usually quite tranquil. It’s not far from the city center, but I recommend combining this visit with a trip around Montjuïc to make the most of your outing.
10. Monastery of Pedralbes
This beautiful, lesser-known monastery is a hidden gem among tourists. Dating back to the 14th century, it stands as one of the highlights of Catalan Gothic architecture. A visit to this monastery offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the women who resided here for six centuries. It’s truly a unique experience.
11. La Caseta del Migdía
In our opinion, this is the ideal place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Located just behind the castle on Montjuïc, this lookout point features a terrace with Moritz chairs and a small kiosk offering a kitchen. For €12, you can enjoy a ‘barbecue plate’ with Catalan sausages, bread, and vegetables. Sit back and relax while taking in the views. Next to the terrace, there’s a small area with picnic tables and pine trees, making it a great spot to bring your own sandwich and enjoy a laid-back meal.
12. Torre Collserola
For a small fee, you can visit the Collserola Communication Tower, where you’ll enjoy views just as breathtaking as those from Tibidabo, but with the advantage of fewer visitors (or perhaps even none at all). It’s a fantastic experience, especially for the seasoned Barcelona explorer.
13. Els Encants: Barcelona’s unique flea market
Els Encants is far from an ordinary flea market, but it’s a great spot for finding bargains. The site itself, with its mirrored roof, is worth a visit. You’ll find a wide variety of fabrics, clothing, and knick-knacks here, and it’s a popular destination for locals. Additionally, Barcelona hosts other flea markets worth checking out. Our personal favorite is Lost & Found, held at França train station (and during the warmer months, at La Barceloneta by the sea).
14. Visit these beautiful cemeteries
Both the cemetery on Montjuïc and the Poblenou Cemetery are truly unique and lesser-known sights, and best of all, they are free to visit. These cementeries offer a fascinating and different experience from the usual tourist spots!
15. Explore lesser-known neighborhoods of Sants, Les Corts or El Clot
Beyond the well-trodden tourist areas, Barcelona boasts charming squares, lively markets, and authentic streets. Take a stroll through the neighborhoods of Sants, Les Corts, or El Clot. These areas are perfect for those who have already explored the more famous districts or for anyone looking to dive deeper into local life.
16. Catalan traditions
Catalans have some unique traditions worth experiencing: they build human towers and regularly hold giant parades. If you have the chance, witnessing these traditions is a quintessential local experience (though be prepared for crowds). You can also see the giants year-round at La Casa dels Entremesos in El Born (Plaça de les Beates 2). It’s a fantastic spot to visit with kids, too.
